Recent drowning at a Manitoba lake highlights the need for water safety, CPR training
Posted July 15, 2025 5:12 pm.
Last Updated July 15, 2025 6:22 pm.
Following the drowning death of a 32-year-old Brandon man over the weekend, a first aid instructor who saved a child drowning in the water last summer says he’s urging others to take water safety seriously, as many head to the beach to escape the summer heat.
“We may know it’s important, but you’ve got to put it into practice, and in this case, with what just took place, it’s sad, it’s unfortunate,” said Christian Clavelle, the president of Canadian First-Aid Training.
RCMP say a man was swimming in Sandy Lake Beach when he suddenly disappeared. He was found a short time later and was pulled to shore, where CPR was attempted; however, he was later pronounced dead. This comes as drownings continue to be one of the leading causes of accidental death in the province.
“Feels cool to teach someone, but to actually be doing it in such a way where a few minutes later I am into it, dialing in and feeling good about it, and the child came back,” Clavelle explained.
Christian Clavelle, a first aid expert and president of the Canadian First-Aid Training, knows just how fast these incidents can occur.
Almost a year ago, he was with his family at St. Malo Beach, in Manitoba, when a 3-year-old child was found unresponsive in the water.
He performed CPR and was able to resuscitate the child. His act of bravery earned him a life-saving award from the Canadian Red Cross and a medal from the Royal Life Saving Society.
“With my children having seen it and in hindsight thinking what if that would have been me, what if that was my child, I think the biggest fulfillment is just the awareness,” Clavelle explained.
Clavelle says incidents like this and the most recent at Sandy Lake Beach are reminders of how fast tragedies can unfold and the need to have a plan.
“It’s just a friendly reminder, you’re going to the beach, it’s nice, the kids love the water, know the limitations, keep an eye on them, it’s all common sense. I think we all know these things, but that’s the best part of this, is to re-engage.”
Clavelle is encouraging all Manitobans to get CPR certified, saying it could save lives.
